3 Takeaways as Michigan State basketball takes down Oakland

On Saturday, it was time for Michigan State basketball’s annual tradition of facing the Oakland Grizzlies. Greg Kampe, the head coach of Oakland, was trying to emerge victorious over Tom Izzo for the first time in their 24^th matchup. That was not to be today, as the top-10 ranked Spartans stayed with a six-to-12 point cushion in the second half to win 79-70.

What can be taken away from the Oakland matchup?

1. Michigan State basketball has a ways to go

The Spartans are nowhere near the top of their game, and that was evident on Sunday. The Grizzlies remained in striking distance, with the Spartans never creating as much as a 15-point separation in the contest. The Spartans started the second half hot, but could not capitalize on it and blow the game open.

This is unsurprising, as Kampe knows what to expect from an Izzo team. The Spartans dominated the glass, with Kampe even conceding missed free throws as MSU rebounds, rarely lining up a player during the formations to prevent transition offense.

The Spartans won, but they did not look great, or even good, on Saturday. They struggled with the zone, as to be expected, but they did enough to win. Tom Izzo claimed it was one of the better Oakland teams he’s seen in his 24 years facing them, and the Grizzlies lived up to it by keeping it close.

It’s also worth noting that this Oakland team had a competitive half against Michigan to open the year, and Purdue could only beat them by ten. They are not a traditional mid-major by any means.

2. Coen Carr Shines

Coen Carr had a career game against the Grizzlies, finishing with a career-high 22 points. Outside of a 1-of-4 day from beyond the arc, Carr was efficient and effective in every element of his game.

Carr also had seven rebounds and a pair of blocks on the day, and was easily the most impactful player on the court. Post-game, it was revealed that Tom Izzo had been encouraging the junior to shoot more, and that he was needed as the impact player.

Saturday, he had the impact. He was the main reason this game remained at a safe distance. Without Carr, it might have been a nail biter or Kampe’s first win over his close friend.

3. Jeremy Fears Jr. Falters

Fears Jr.’s cold slump continues. The redshirt sophomore has not been the same since an 0-of-10 day against Duke, and the Grizzlies did not give Fears a get back game. Fears finished with two points, well off his season average of 11 points.

Even in his last outing against Toledo, where he scored 15 points, he recorded that on 11 shots. Fears has not been efficient recently.

Worse yet, two of his elements that have not been slumping, his free throw shooting and his defense, suffered today. Fears missed his free throw chance and then had multiple bad plays on defense.

Coming into the year, the concern was the Spartans’ shooting guard slot, but now, the point guard position is suffering as well. With conference play starting in the next two weeks, the time is now to get right and shape back up. More questions than answers is concerning for Michigan State basketball this late into the game.

What’s next for Michigan State basketball?

The Spartans break for Christmas before they will be back in action on December 29 against Cornell. That Monday night game will tip at 7 p.m. EST.